The Citrus Owls won against West LA and Compton. The Owls had an opportunity to keep their undefeated season going in their match-up against the 1-1 Palomar Comets on Sept. 21.
Citrus Owls running back Sal Tovar countered the Comets’ touchdown with a touchdown of his own. Tovar ran an 87 yard, over six minute drive, with a nine yard touchdown, with 4 minutes 40 seconds left to go in the first quarter. The quarter ended at 7-6 Comets due to the missed pat by Owl kicker Sean Bailey Jr.
Tovar’s score changed the game’s trajectory.
The Comets soared to an early lead in the first 36 seconds of the game, with a 45 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rodney Thompson, to wide receiver Logan Gamble.
The Owls’ strong running game continued after Tovar’s score. The Owls rushed for a total of 191 yards, compared to Comets’ 58, helping the Owls to a 33-24 victory.
Running back Walter Carl ran for two of three rushing touchdowns for the Owls: a 13-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 3-yard touchdown run in the third.
Citrus College offensive coordinator Bob Moran said he was pleased.
“It was very encouraging this afternoon to be able to run the football the way we did,” Moran said. “And then, be able to take advantage of some 1-on-1 opportunities that presented themselves in the passing game.”
Freshman Jeremiah Flores seemed to be one of the wide receivers who took advantage of the 1 on-1 opportunities Moran stated. Flores caught a six-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Zavala near the end of the third quarter.
“I think went great is that, the ball went up and Jeremiah Flores was kinda in the way, so he went up and caught it,” said Owls Head Coach Ron Ponciano. “That was great.”
The Owls defense forced three separate fumbles — they recovered from defensive linemen Tyler Bush, linebacker Xavier Houston, and cornerback Michael Coombes.
“A win is really positive against Palomar,” Ponciano said. “This is a really cool victory. It’s important to play somebody of that caliber.”
Citrus Owls football stretched their winning record to 3-0. The Owls’ next game against Santa Barbara City College is 1 p.m. Sept. 28 against at Citrus Stadium.
